Study Abroad

"Studying abroad can be a wonderfully enriching experience. Success in business requires focus, improvisation, flexibility, and adaptability. Learning in a foreign environment brings with it new perspective and context that will likely change your world view. It is often said that study abroad is a 'life changing' experience—by participants, their peers, and their parents." -Charles H. Whiteman, John and Becky Surma Dean

Smeal strongly encourages students to participate in Penn State education abroad programs and about one fourth of our graduates have this experience. Study abroad is seen as a way of enhancing a student's academic experience as well as providing an avenue for personal development.

Education abroad is above all an opportunity. Wise use of this experience will complement your Penn State education and broaden your perspective, providing a chance to satisfy your curiosity, interact in new ways, travel to different places, enrich your learning environment, cultivate understanding and tolerance, expand your perspective and develop your global vision.

Globalization is an increasingly important aspect of any business. Participation in a study abroad program can augment the understanding of global issues through direct experience of a foreign environment. Employment outlooks for the twenty-first century indicate that successful candidates in the job market will possess evidence of an international perspective and a demonstrated interdisciplinary approach to education. Studying in a foreign country provides this experience, and the academic credential is the International Business minor. A survey by the organization IES established the Career Benefits of Study Abroad. You may also want to read Three Quarters of US Students Say Study Abroad Improves Employability, from a survey by Student Universe.